These are the New York waterfalls that draw the biggest crowds, measured by Google review volume and led by Kaaterskill Falls. Popular does not have to mean packed if you time it right.
For every waterfall we track nearby, see the full list of waterfalls in New York, or browse by town: Palenville, South Hill, Trumansburg, Pulaski, Niagara Falls. You can also compare our best waterfalls in New York and most beautiful waterfalls in New York.
How we picked: Ranked purely by the number of Google reviews, the best public signal of how many people visit. Together these five account for 47% of all Google reviews of New York waterfalls.
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1. Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls near Palenville takes the top spot, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,560 reviews.
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1,560 Google reviews make it the most visited waterfall in New York, about 23% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. That is 2.3 times as many as Ithaca Falls in second place. Visitors have shared 6,947 photos of it. It averages 4.8 stars, with 89% five-star reviews. "This iconic 260-ft-tall tiered waterfall on Spruce Creek features a lookout & a foot trail." Expect company: arrive early on weekends and holidays, when parking fills first. The nearest town is Palenville, about 2.6 miles to the southeast.
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2. Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls, near South Hill, is next up, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 664 reviews.
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664 Google reviews make it number 2 in New York, about 10% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 1,977 photos of it. It averages 4.8 stars, with 84% five-star reviews. "Accessible by walking trail, this 150-ft. cascade has a natural pool popular for fishing." Expect company: arrive early on weekends and holidays, when parking fills first. The nearest town is South Hill, about 1.6 miles to the south.
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3. Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls, near Trumansburg, is next up, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 367 reviews.
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367 Google reviews make it number 3 in New York, about 5% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 1,173 photos of it. It averages 4.9 stars, with 90% five-star reviews. "Towering waterfall in Taughannock Falls State Park that can be seen from several hiking trails." The nearest town is Trumansburg, about 2.9 miles to the west.
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4. Salmon River Falls
Salmon River Falls near Pulaski is another strong option, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 344 reviews.
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344 Google reviews make it number 4 in New York, about 5% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 969 photos of it. It averages 4.8 stars, with 88% five-star reviews. The nearest town is Pulaski, about 9.5 miles to the west.
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5. American Falls
American Falls near Niagara Falls is another strong option, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 298 reviews.
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298 Google reviews make it number 5 in New York, about 4% of all reviews of the state's waterfalls. Visitors have shared 2,199 photos of it. It averages 4.8 stars, with 85% five-star reviews. The nearest town is Niagara Falls, about 0.9 miles to the northeast.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most visited waterfall in New York?
Kaaterskill Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 1,560 Google reviews. It is near Palenville in Greene County.
How was this list made?
Ranked purely by the number of Google reviews, the best public signal of how many people visit. Together these five account for 47% of all Google reviews of New York waterfalls.
How many waterfalls are in New York?
Our directory lists 221 waterfalls in New York. See every one, with filters and a map, on the New York waterfalls page.
Which county in New York has the most waterfalls?
St. Lawrence County, with 42 named falls in our directory, mostly on rivers descending from the Adirondacks toward the St. Lawrence River. Essex County in the High Peaks is next with 22.
Summary
Kaaterskill Falls near Palenville is our top pick for most visited waterfalls in New York, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,560 reviews. Ratings and review counts reflect public data at the time of writing and can change, and trail access, water levels and road conditions vary through the year, so confirm current conditions before you drive out.
Spring is prime waterfall season across New York. Snowmelt and rain usually push the Adirondack and Tug Hill rivers to their highest levels from April into May, and the Finger Lakes gorges run strongly through spring. Many smaller gorge falls drop to a thin veil in July and August, though Niagara and other large river falls flow steadily all year. Autumn brings outstanding foliage, peaking in the Adirondacks in late September and early October and later in the Catskills and Finger Lakes, and fall rains often restore flows. Winter freezes many falls into ice sculptures, but some Finger Lakes gorge trails close for the season because of ice and rockfall.
For more options, see every waterfall on the New York waterfalls page, read 15 Best Waterfalls in New York, or check our waterfall safety tips before you go.